In mid April our National Sales Team convened in Seattle for a week long sales conference.

One of the goals of the week long seminars was exposure to and a deeper understanding of the work of the Grand Image core artists.  The highlight of this part of the seminars was a visit to the studio of our best selling local artist Maeve Harris.  Maeve’s studio is located on a horse farm where she boards her rescue horse.

It’s a very peaceful and inspiring location, and it doesn’t hurt that she has live models on site for her exquisite horse paintings whenever the mood strikes.

The team was introduced to all of the equine residents, and then we moved inside for a live demonstration where Maeve gave in depth discussions of her process as well as the passion behind her work.

The team got to see firsthand how Maeve’s work evolves from the initial layers of under-painting to the finished process and each step in between.

Maeve also entertained a question and answer session where the Account Managers could talk about customer requests and trends in the marketplace.  This interaction between the sales team and the artist was crucial for both parties.  It gave each a new sense of the needs of the customers as well as the infinite possibilities available to them.

Each Account Manager talked about the most successful work in their respective areas.

"Phoenix 5" (HMOP-2088) was discussed by both Vanessa and Julie as working really well for their clients in the Denver and Phoenix areas respectively, due to the warm sunny colors.  Their clients find this work fits into residential, corporate and hospitality projects.

"Black & White 1" (HMOP-2069) is a favorite of Madison and Julie for their LA and Vegas territories both for the drama of the original and also for their film and television set decorating clients who love the high contrast.

"Scylla 2" (HMOP-2032) is universally loved by the team. Specifically by Amy and Devan.  Amy’s southeastern territory, with its beach and resort locals, and Devan’s client base has been buying Maeve Harris for many, many years, and loves this work for its fresh new styling and textures.

We all look forward to the new body of work coming out of Maeve’s studio as a result of this terrific afternoon of idea sharing.

Below is the team photo, including me, in shadow taking the photo!